CEO, Firewize
25 Mar, 2025
Creating a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors is a top priority for any medical or allied health clinic. Among the essential safety measures, having the right portable fire extinguishers—correctly selected, installed, and maintained—is critical to protecting people and property in the event of a fire.
A portable fire extinguisher is a vital first-response life safety device designed to help prevent or contain the spread of a fire.
This guide is designed to help clinic owners, practice managers, and health professionals understand the requirements for portable fire extinguishers in healthcare settings. It covers the types of fire extinguishers suitable for various risks commonly found in medical clinics, placement guidelines to ensure compliance with Australian Standards (AS 2444), and practical tips for effective fire safety planning.
Selecting the correct extinguisher begins with identifying the types of fuel sources or fire risks present in the area.
In most medical and allied health clinics, the primary fire hazard comes from Class A materials such as paper, wood, plastics, and textiles. A Dry Powder (ABE) fire extinguisher is a versatile and widely used option, suitable for Class A (combustible materials), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class E (electrical) fires.
For patient care areas, Carbon Dioxide (COâ‚‚) fire extinguishers are often recommended. They are ideal for electrical fires in enclosed spaces and leave no residue, reducing the risk of contamination in sensitive environments.
Each fire extinguisher shall be located in a conspicuous and readily accessible position, and ideally located along the path of travel to an exit. The maximum distance from a fire extinguisher should not exceed 40 meters.
An appropriate fire extinguisher with a Class E rating such as Dry-Powder or Carbon Dioxide should be located between 2m and 20m of any significant electrical switchboard.
A good rule of thumb is to order at least the following for each medical or allied health clinic;
Fire extinguishers should be securely fixed and mounted to a stud wall. Most commonly, they are mounted near the reception desk of a medical or allied health clinic.
Once the correct location for a portable fire extinguisher has been established, installing a portable fire extinguisher is fairly straightforward and can be done by Firewize or with some instructions by a competent tradesperson.
Ensure your clinic meets safety and compliance standards. Order your dry powder and CO₂ fire extinguishers, fire blanket, and clear signage today. With fast delivery and reliable equipment, you’ll be ready to protect your staff, patients, and property. Don’t leave safety to chance—equip your clinic now with the right fire protection.
Under Victorian legislation and Australian Standards, all portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets must be inspected and serviced every six months. A yellow maintenance tag attached to each unit shows the date of the last inspection.
This routine servicing is typically carried out by an experienced fire protection provider—such as Firewize—on behalf of the building owner or occupier.
Beyond fire extinguishers, medical and allied health clinics must consider a range of fire safety measures to protect occupants and ensure compliance. These include emergency lighting, exit signs, evacuation diagrams, staff training, and routine servicing of fire protection systems—all critical to a safe and effective emergency response.
Compliance with fire safety legislation is not just best practice—it is a statutory obligation. Under Victorian building regulations, medical and allied health clinics must maintain essential safety measures and provide an annual report confirming compliance.
Firewize can oversee this process on your behalf, ensuring all inspections, maintenance, and recordkeeping are completed in accordance with Australian Standards and regulatory requirements.
